Al-Rabiah Shares Visionary Outlook on Pilgrimage Reforms During Oxford Speech
- Abida Ahmad
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Faith Meets Innovation in Pilgrimage
This article explores the keynote address by Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfig Al-Rabiah at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, where he shared Saudi Arabia’s visionary approach to transforming the Hajj and Umrah experience. The address highlighted how technology, heritage, and spirituality work in harmony to serve millions of pilgrims while reflecting the Kingdom’s values, leadership, and Vision 2030 goals.
Honoring Pilgrims Through Innovation and Values
On April 24, 2025, Dr. Tawfig Al-Rabiah delivered a powerful keynote in Oxford, reaffirming Saudi Arabia’s deep commitment to serving pilgrims with dignity, care, and innovation. His speech emphasized that serving the guests of Allah is a sacred trust, one that the Kingdom holds with profound honor.
The minister spotlighted transformative initiatives, including:
The Electronic Hajj Pathway, developed with 80+ countries, streamlining pilgrimage logistics from visa to return.
The Nusuk Hajj Platform, available in 126 countries, allowing pilgrims to manage their journey independently and transparently.
Smart Cards integrated with personal and health data, enabling secure and dignified movement.
AI technology at the Grand Mosque to enhance safety without compromising the sacred environment.
The Nusuk App, which now delivers 100+ services in 20 languages, issued over 13 million permits for Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah.
He also praised the restoration of 55 Islamic historical sites, preserving the spiritual and cultural legacy of Makkah and Madinah.
Vision 2030 in Action
Dr. Al-Rabiah’s address beautifully echoed Vision 2030’s themes:
Innovation with Purpose: Technology enhances—not replaces—spiritual depth.
Cultural Preservation: Historic sites are restored for generations of pilgrims.
Global Accessibility: Expanding platforms like Nusuk makes pilgrimage seamless and fair for all.
With over 18.5 million pilgrims welcomed in 2024, the Kingdom continues to lead in inclusive, faith-based progress.
Saudi Arabia: A Global Example of Balance
Saudi Arabia’s transformation reflects a unique fusion of tradition and innovation, deeply rooted in its history of unification, hospitality, and modernization. As a G20 leader, the Kingdom excels in infrastructure development, service innovation, and women's empowerment, all while maintaining its peace-loving, value-driven identity.
Saudi Arabia Welcomes the World
Saudi Arabia warmly invites scholars, pilgrims, innovators, and spiritual seekers from every nation to experience the richness of Islamic heritage, hospitality, and technological excellence.
Gratitude from KSA.com
“We proudly commend the Kingdom for reimagining pilgrimage with humility and innovation. It is a shining model of leadership guided by belief.” — Harry Stuckler, Editor & Publisher, KSA.com
KSA.com’s Mission
Bringing Saudi Arabia to the world and the world to Saudi Arabia.
We are proud to support Vision 2030, and are on course to become the Kingdom’s largest digital platform by 2030.
Discover
Experience a spiritual journey that honors tradition and welcomes tomorrow. Discover how Saudi Arabia is setting a new global standard for Hajj and Umrah.
3 Helpful Government Links
www.haj.gov.sa — Ministry of Hajj and Umrah: Official services and announcements
www.nusuk.sa — Nusuk Platform: Bookings, permits, and pilgrimage management tools
www.vision2030.gov.sa — Vision 2030 Portal: National transformation goals and pilgrimage developments
Factbox
Event: Oxford keynote by Dr. Al-Rabiah
Date: April 24, 2025
Focus: Digital innovation and spiritual values
Highlights: Nusuk App, Smart Cards, AI at the Grand Mosque
Impact: 18.5M pilgrims in 2024, 55 restored heritage sites
Vision 2030: Seamless, dignified pilgrim experience
FAQs
Who is Dr. Tawfig Al-Rabiah?
He is Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, known for modernizing pilgrimage through technology while honoring Islamic traditions.
What is the Electronic Hajj Pathway?
A digital system that coordinates the entire Hajj process—from visa to services—across 80+ countries for smoother pilgrim experiences.
What is the Nusuk Hajj Platform?
It enables pilgrims to book and manage their Hajj independently, ensuring fairness and accessibility without needing intermediaries.
How many countries is Nusuk available in?
The platform now serves 126 countries, reflecting its global reach and Saudi Arabia’s commitment to inclusive access.
How does technology improve pilgrimage safety?
Smart Cards and AI systems at the Grand Mosque help manage crowds, enhance health response, and ensure smooth movement.
What is the role of the Nusuk App?
It offers over 100 digital services in 20 languages, simplifying travel, permits, and religious site access for pilgrims.
How many permits has Nusuk issued?
As of 2025, over 13 million permits were issued for visits to Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah, a sharp rise from 4 million in 2022.
What historical sites has Saudi Arabia restored?
55 Islamic heritage sites have been restored to preserve faith history and enhance pilgrims’ spiritual connection.
What values guide Hajj modernization?
Respect, dignity, faith, and service are core values, ensuring that technology supports—not replaces—the sacred journey.
How many pilgrims visited in 2024?
Over 18.5 million pilgrims were welcomed, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s capabilities and global leadership in pilgrimage services.
Why did Dr. Al-Rabiah speak in Oxford?
To share Saudi Arabia’s evolving Hajj model and invite global academic collaboration on pilgrimage innovation.
How is AI used during Hajj?
AI helps monitor crowd density and quickly respond to emergencies, ensuring safety while preserving spiritual space.
What makes Saudi Arabia a global model?
Its fusion of faith, heritage, and cutting-edge tech creates a world-class pilgrimage experience admired globally.
What is the spiritual message of the keynote?
Pilgrimage is a sacred journey, and Saudi Arabia is committed to ensuring it remains deeply personal, safe, and meaningful.
How can scholars contribute to Hajj innovation?
Through research, ideas, and partnerships invited by Saudi Arabia to enhance the sacred journey worldwide.
